Friends, family, mourn Kenyan Rugby icon Edward ‘Ogre’ Kinyany
The rugby community is in mourning following the death of Kenyan legend, Edward ‘Ogre’ Kinyany, on October 24, 2023.
‘Ogre’ joined Kenya Harlequins in 1991 and served the dub directly over 26 years as a player, captain, coach, club chairman and Director of Rugby.
Edward, a beloved husband to Sheila Matu-Kinyany, and a cherished father to Ayana Kinyany, a Braeburn School student, and a devoted brother to Belinda Kinyany in the USA.
He was the son of the late Michael Thomas Kinyany and Mary Josephine Kinyany, hailing from Luanda Doho in Gem, Siaya County.
Edward was not only passionate about rugby, but he also followed the UFC, football, and athletics with great intensity.
He was an avid outdoorsman, known for his adventurous spirit during events like the Rhino Charge, overlanding, and camping.
He relished board games like the Salamander Games and Monopoly, earning him the playful nickname “the thief” due to his aversion to losing.
His wife, Sheila Matu fondly described him as a loving partner and shared heartwarming memories of his deep affection for his family.
Your daughter Ayana held a special place in your heart, and everything you did, you did for her. Your plans for her were grand, promising her the world with extravagant gestures that sometimes seemed almost too much. But I pledge to do my utmost to fulfill the promises you made to her. Thank you for being the most supportive father in her life, always present at her side, standing out as the sole dad amidst the mothers, watching her matches, and passionately cheering her on from the sidelines.”
The couple was to celebrate 20 years of marriage in September 2024.
“What can I express about the incredible partner you’ve been to me for over 28 years? Jodo, thank you for bringing us closer; we were planning to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary next September. I’m aware of the dreams we had for that milestone, and I’m determined to honor those years. You’ve gifted me the most wonderful years of my life.”
Edward ‘Ogre’ Kinyany was universally known as a people’s man by those he played alongside.
His exceptional knack for connecting with individuals propelled him into a coaching role with Kenya Harlequins during its most triumphant period from 2008 to 2012.
During his tenure, the team clinched four Kenya Cup titles and two Enterprise Cup championships.
He assumed a prominent national coaching position alongside Dr. Michael ‘Tank’ Otieno, and this era was marked by Kenya’s historic 23-10 victory over Zimbabwe in 2010.
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